Akio Toyoda, the head of Toyota could be forced to testify before the US
Congress to explain the car manufacturer's recall of 7.7m vehicles in
America because of safety issues.

Mr Toyoda, Toyota's president and the grandson of the company's founder, could be subpoenaed to appear before the House of Representatives and the Senate. Although his upcoming visit in early March means he will miss two House committee sessions into the recalls scheduled for February 22, it is possible they could be delayed to accommodate his presence. A Senate hearing is set for March 2.

"Surely if Congress can be here, so can you," wrote Darrell Issa, a Republican Congressman, to Mr Toyoda earlier this week. Mr Issa has said that he fully supports issuing a subpoena to Mr Toyoda, compelling him to appear at the hearings in the week beginning February 22.

Mr Toyoda originally planned to visit the US this month to reassure customers and dealers over the company's recent problems, but his trip was delayed.

To date, Toyota has recalled 5.3 vehicles in the US over floor mats which can force accelerator pedals to stay pressed, and a further 2.3m over accelerator pedals which stay pressed on their own. A further 133,000 vehicles have been recalled over braking problems.